Kessler says Steel Armor inhibits the growth of corrosion by blocking rust at the point of entry when gouges, chips, scrapes and scratches expose the metal.

In testing, Accuride says it exposed Steel Armor coasted wheels to a broad range of corrosion performance tests that eclipsed traditional industry testing standards, completing 12 independently performed tests in all. These included industry-standard salt spray and chip resistance tests, plus exacting cyclic corrosion testing methods commonly used in the automotive industry that are better able to determine product performance in strenuous road and climate conditions, such as UV transmission and Xenon testing.

Accuride says it will convert to 100 percent steel powder coated wheels in early 2014, with Steel Armor becoming the company’s standard going forward. There will be no additional up-charge for Steel Armor coated wheels, the company said Tuesday.